Unbeaten in his first seven starts for Willie Mullins, including back-to-back successes at the Cheltenham Festival, Sir Des Champs tasted defeat for the first time at the hands of Peter Casey’s star in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown earlier this month.

But the two most exciting young staying chasers in Ireland will renew their rivalry over half a mile further.

With a run under his belt, Sir Des Champs, to be ridden by Davy Russell, could pose a bigger threat this time.

Mullins said: “Having talked things over with the Gigginstown House team we’ve decided that Sir Des Champs will stay at home.

“The plan is to run him in the Lexus Chase.”

With Flemenstar the second favourite for the Gold Cup and Sir Des Champs third in the betting, not to mention Sizing Europe and First Lieutenant, the Lexus could provide as many Gold Cup clues as the King George.